Miami fraternity under investigation for hazing allegations

Sigma Phi Epsilon, a Miami University fraternity, is under investigation after the Oxford Police Department (OPD) received a report of hazing this month.

According to the OPD report, officers received a report of hazing allegations from an anonymous caller on the evening of April 6 at 10:59.

The caller claimed they had information from a credible source that the hazing included “excessive use of drugs and alcohol, and physical abuse of members of that fraternity,” according to the incident report.

The report noted the caller “gave vague information regarding the hazing, stating they just wanted a welfare check done at the fraternity.”

The caller provided three addresses where the hazing could have taken place, which were 319 E. Vine St., 224 E. Church St. and 215 University Ave.

Officers responded to 224 E. Church St. and 215 University Ave. and conducted checks of each location.

When officers responded to 319 E. Vine St., individuals there acknowledged the concerns, but did not allow officers inside the residence. 

At 11:43 that same evening, officers received another anonymous call stating their son was being subjected to hazing. The caller added that they had tracked their son’s location via mobile phone to 319 E. Vine St., which was previously confirmed to be the Sigma Phi Epsilon Annex House by a resident at 215 University Ave., according to the incident report.  

The caller stated they were worried their son was being waterboarded and “had bruises from physical abuse by fraternity members,” according to the incident report. 

The incident report stated a list of residents at 319 E. Vine St. was created and added to the report sent to Miami’s Office of Community Standards.

Oxford Police Chief John Jones told the Free Press in an email the case was not under investigation by the OPD.

“Officers did all they could do that night. They responded to three different residences to check on the welfare of students based on the complaints,” Jones wrote. “They were denied entry into one of the houses by the resident and not able to check on the welfare of any students who might have been present at that house.” 

Jones added the individuals in the house on 319 E. Vine St. have “a Constitutional right to deny entry, but it raises suspicion on the activity occurring there.”

Jones wrote that “Unless we receive information on who the anonymous student was, we won’t be able to pursue any charges. If that information comes to light, or a victim comes forward, then we would re-open the investigation.”

Jones shared that conducting a proper investigation is difficult with just the anonymous reports.  

“We take hazing allegations seriously, but all too often they are anonymous reports,” Jones wrote. “To investigate properly, we need to be able to speak directly to the victims involved. It is unfortunate that many don’t feel safe or are unwilling to risk their social capital to do the right thing and report these incidents to police.”

Seth Bauguess, senior director of communication at Miami, confirmed with the Oxford Free Press that the Office of Community Standards will conduct an investigation into the hazing allegations.

“Hazing of any kind is illegal and strictly prohibited at Miami University,” Bauguess wrote in an email to the Free Press. “Miami seeks to promote a safe environment where students may participate in activities and organizations without compromising their health, safety, or welfare.”

According to Bauguess, Miami’s conduct process generally takes between 30-90 business days, depending on the complexity of the matter. 

The Office of Community Standards conducts investigations typically within 30 days of receiving the report, with cases usually heard within a 30-day window and any available appeals tending to be resolved within 30 days as well, according to Bauguess.

The Oxford Free Press reached out to the Sigma Phi Epsilon National Chapter regarding the police report. 

Ben Ford, the marketing and communications director at Sigma Phi Epsilon, wrote in an email to the Oxford Free Press that hazing has no place in the fraternity.

“SigEp exists to build balanced men,” Ford wrote. “We take allegations seriously and are aware of a report at our Ohio Eta chapter at Miami University that prompted a police visit. At this time, we have not confirmed the details. If violations of policy or law are confirmed, SigEp will respond swiftly and hold those responsible accountable.”

The Oxford Free Press attempted to speak with individuals inside the 319 E. Vine St. residence, but no comment was given by individuals on the property.